YOUTHS who left heaps of rubbish in a wood have blasted for showing a ‘complete lack of respect’.

Concerns have been raised after mounds of discarded litter was left in Greenscoe woods in Askam.

It is thought to have been left by a group of youths who were playing in the woods.

Bottles, cans and shards of glass are among the items that have been left.

One resident took it upon himself to clean up the heaps of litter and questioned whether youths should be allowed access to the woods, which is private land.

Councillor Ben Shirley, of Dalton North, hit out after the incident and called on people to think about their actions.

He said: “I just can’t understand why anyone would want to leave so much litter and rubbish behind, such as this.

“It’s unacceptable and shows a complete lack of respect for our area, for the people who live here and our local wildlife.”

For those choose to leave litter behind, he delivered a simple message.

“People are more than welcome to visit our community, but please - take your litter home with you”, he said.

“There really is no excuse for this kind of behaviour.

“It shouldn’t be left to local people to sort this out, but I’m keen to work together with our community to get this lot cleaned up, and then I hope that people will think twice before leaving such mess behind in the future.”

Livestock are also said to use the land.

The wood is owned by the Barker family, of Askam's Harry Barker Properties.

According to the law, land managers, occupiers or owners of private property are responsible for clearing and disposing of any flytipping found on private land but councils can choose to take enforcement action in certain scenarios.

Flytipping on public land and highways can be reported to Barrow Council.

Council bosses urges anyone who comes across flytipping to report it by calling the authority on 01229 876543.